Microbiology Glossary
Browse our comprehensive collection of 777 microbiology terms and definitions.
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Mammalian Orthoreovirus 1
Mammalian orthoreovirus 1 MRV‑1 is a non‑enveloped double‑stranded RNA virus belonging to the genus Orthoreovirus family Reoviridae. It is one of three...
Mammalian Orthoreovirus 2
Mammalian orthoreovirus 2 MRV‑2 is one of three serotypes of mammalian orthoreoviruses, non‑enveloped double‑stranded RNA viruses in the genus Orthoreovirus...
Mammalian Orthoreovirus 3
Mammalian orthoreovirus 3 MRV‑3 is one of the three serotypes of mammalian orthoreoviruses, which are non‑enveloped double‑stranded RNA viruses of the genus...
Marburg Virus
Marburg virus is one of two viruses classified in the genus Marburgvirus family Filoviridae and the causative agent of Marburg virus disease, a severe...
Mayaro Virus
Mayaro virus MAYV is an enveloped, positive‑sense single‑stranded RNA virus that causes Mayaro fever, an acute febrile illness characterised by fever, rash and...
MBC
The minimum bactericidal concentration MBC is the lowest concentration of an antimicrobial agent that kills a bacterium, defined by preventing regrowth when...
MDR
Multidrug-resistant MDR bacteria are strains that resist the action of multiple classes of antimicrobial agents. They survive exposures that would normally...
Measles Virus
The measles virus, also called rubeola virus, is an enveloped, single‑stranded, negative‑sense RNA virus in the genus Morbillivirus within the family...
Medium (Media)
A microbiological medium plural media is a formulation of nutrients and other components designed to support the growth and metabolic activities of...
Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV)
Merkel cell polyomavirus is a small DNA virus that infects human skin and is implicated in the development of Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare but aggressive...
MERS-CoV
MERS‑CoV is the coronavirus responsible for Middle East respiratory syndrome, an acute respiratory disease first reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012. This...
Mesophiles
Mesophiles are microorganisms that grow optimally at moderate temperatures, typically between about 20 °C and 45 °C, with most human pathogens preferring...
Metabolism
Metabolism refers to the sum of all chemical reactions occurring within an organism that allow it to maintain life, grow, reproduce and respond to its...
Methanogens
Methanogens are anaerobic archaea that produce methane as the end product of their energy metabolism. Explanation Methanogens are strictly anaerobic archaea...
MIC
The minimum inhibitory concentration MIC is the lowest concentration of an antimicrobial that visibly inhibits the growth of a microorganism in vitro....
Microaerophiles
Microaerophiles are microorganisms that require oxygen for growth but at concentrations lower than those found in the atmosphere. Explanation Microaerophiles...
Microbial
Relating to microorganisms and their activities, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, protozoa and viruses. Explanation The adjective “microbial” refers to...
Microbial Flora
The community of microorganisms that naturally inhabit a specific environment or host, often referred to as normal flora or microbiota. Explanation Microbial...
Microbial Fuel Cell
A microbial fuel cell MFC is a bioelectrochemical device in which microorganisms oxidize organic substrates and transfer electrons to an anode, generating a...
Microbiology
The scientific discipline focused on the study of microorganisms, including their physiology, genetics, ecology and roles in health and disease. Explanation...
Microbiome
The community of microorganisms and their collective genetic material inhabiting a particular environment, such as the human gut or soil. Explanation The term...
Microorganism
A microorganism is a living entity that is too small to be seen unaided. This term encompasses bacteria, archaea, microscopic fungi, algae, and protozoa;...
Microscope
A microscope is an optical or electronic instrument used to magnify and resolve details of objects too small to be seen clearly with the unaided eye....
Microscopy
Microscopy is the practice and science of using microscopes to observe and analyze objects too small to be seen clearly by the unaided eye. Explanation...